A Glen Island Picnic Engagement Session | Veronica & John

There’s something special about engagement sessions that feel deeply personal. For Veronica and John, their story began long before their Glen Island engagement session, back on the campus of Iona University in 2014. What started as classmates in a math course grew into a connection that neither of them could have predicted. Veronica remembers asking John for help with homework, not realizing it would spark a bond that carried them through nearly a decade of love, laughter, and growth.

Since those early days at Iona, their love story has flourished. They’ve been together for almost ten years now and have lived under the same roof for the past five. Moving in together during the height of the pandemic in 2020 could have been a challenge, but instead, it strengthened their relationship. Sharing life together—from cooking dinner at home to raising their sweet pup, Cashew—proved that they were building a foundation meant to last.

Cashew, by the way, is the sweetest dog you could ever meet. Full of life and energy, he brought his own playful spark to their engagement session. Even though he’s still in training, he did such an amazing job—whether trotting alongside Veronica and John or sitting patiently with “grandma” (Veronica’s mom) when it was time for couple-only portraits. Having him there added warmth and joy to the day, making the photos even more personal and true to who they are as a family.

Balancing Each Other Perfectly

One of the things that stood out most during this session was how beautifully Veronica and John balance one another. Veronica is the planner—she keeps things on track and makes sure everything is moving along. John, on the other hand, is the source of genuine laughter and ease. He knows exactly how to pull those real smiles out of her, the kind that can’t be staged.

Their personalities created a dynamic that made photographing them such a joy. While they both wanted the session to come out beautifully (and it absolutely did), each of them had a slightly different vision for how the photos might look. Veronica leaned toward the polished, romantic side, while John wanted to keep it fun and lighthearted. In the end, we were able to strike the perfect balance—capturing all the must-have “money shots” alongside the candid, emotional moments that show their true connection.

A Picnic-Inspired Engagement at Glen Island

For their engagement session, we chose Glen Island, a picturesque park in New Rochelle, New York, with waterfront views, open fields, and a relaxed atmosphere that was perfect for their picnic-inspired theme. We wanted it to feel intentional and elevated—more than just a walk through the park.

Veronica and John came prepared with thoughtful details that made the session unique. They brought along a picnic basket, books to flip through together, and even actual glassware for a champagne toast. And of course, they chose Moët, because if you’re going to toast to love, why not go all in? These touches created the perfect blend of casual comfort and timeless elegance, giving the photos depth and storytelling elements beyond just portraits.

As the sun shifted, we moved through different spots in the park, from open grassy areas to quiet corners that gave them space to be themselves. The result was a gallery filled with variety—romantic close-ups, playful laughter, heartfelt moments, and even some four-legged cameos from Cashew.

Returning to Where It All Began: Iona University

In addition to Glen Island, we knew it was important to include Iona University in their engagement session. After all, it’s where their story began. Walking through campus while it was on break gave us the perfect backdrop for photos without too many distractions. From the brick buildings to the familiar walkways, each spot carried sentimental value for Veronica and John.

For couples thinking about doing their engagement photos at a college campus or public park in New York, here’s a quick tip: always check to see if permits or bookings are required. We were fortunate that both Glen Island and Iona had flexible rules at the time of our session. By respecting the spaces—leaving everything as we found it, picking up after ourselves, and being mindful of others—we were able to enjoy the shoot without any interruptions. This made the day flow seamlessly and allowed Veronica and John to stay fully present with each other.

Looking Ahead to Their Wedding

As beautiful as this engagement session was, it’s only the beginning of what’s to come. Veronica and John will be tying the knot in May 2026 at one of my absolute favorite wedding venues. Knowing their personalities, their love for intentional details, and the joy they bring to one another, I have no doubt their wedding day will be just as heartfelt, fun, and full of life as this session was.

Final Thoughts

Engagement sessions are more than just a warm-up for the wedding day. They’re a chance to tell your story in a way that feels true to you. Veronica and John’s Glen Island picnic session was the perfect example of that—thoughtful details, meaningful locations, and the kind of laughter and love that only comes from years of growing together.

If you’re planning your own engagement session, consider places that hold sentimental value, whether it’s the campus where you first locked eyes, a favorite park where you love to spend weekends, or a spot that feels like “yours.” Add in details that make the day special, like a champagne toast, a shared book, or even your pup, and you’ll have photos that feel authentic to your story.

I’m so grateful I had the honor of capturing this season for Veronica and John, and I can’t wait to document their wedding in 2026. Until then, I know they’ll continue to write their love story—one that began in a math class and has only grown stronger with time.